5. Alcohol

Castle Lager

How alcohol affects sleep depends on how much is consumed and when. Alcohol consumed at bedtime, like a nice glass of wine, may actually help you fall asleep. But moderate amounts of alcohol consumed within an hour of bedtime appears to disrupt the second half of the sleep period. You may awake from dreams more easily or may rise for bathroom breaks. Returning to sleep also becomes more difficult. This sleep disruption may lead to daytime fatigue and sleepiness, making matters only worse. The only solution is to avoid alcohol almost entirely before bed. A glass of wine or beer is fine, but don’t reach for a second serving.